Lake Murray - Lexington, SC Area Guide

To supply affordable electricity to residents of South Carolina’s Midlands, the Saluda River was dammed in the early 1930s. Construction of the Dreher Shoals Dam resulted in the creation of Lake Murray. At the time of their completion, the dam was the largest earthen dam in the world, and Lake Murray was the largest lake created for power-production purposes. The dam reaches a height of over 200 feet and stretches 1.5 miles across. Over the years, Lake Murray has become an extremely popular destination for fishing, boating and vacationing.

The areas surrounding Lake Murray have many wonderful cultural opportunities. Catch a performance at the Chapin Community Theater, or head into Columbia to hear the South Carolina Philharmonic perform at the Koger Center for the Arts. Enjoy the Columbia Museum of Art, or give your kids the experience of a lifetime at the EdVenture Children’s Museum.

Whether you want a romantic sunset dinner overlooking the lake, or a slice of pizza and a cold beer, you can find it in the areas surrounding Lake Murray. After a long day of water skiing, recharge your batteries with a juicy, 1/2 pound Libby Burger at Libby's of Lexington. This family-run restaurant serves satisfying salads, sandwiches and hand-tossed pizzas. Local rave about Libby's shrimp po' boy with lime-caper tartar sauce and a side of hand-cut French fries. If you crave barbecue, head to Hudson's Smokehouse in Lexington. Smoked for 16 hours, Hudson's award-winning ribs stay tender and juicy. Traditional Southern side dishes round out the meal, such as buttered cabbage, macaroni and cheese, and a show-stopping broccoli casserole. The New York-style pizza served at Tonella's Pizza Kitchen in Irmo satisfies the biggest appetites. While waiting for your pizza, try Tonella's unforgettable roasted Gorgonzola chips. Finish your meal with a decadent slice of fried caramel pound cake. Enjoy a relaxing cocktail overlooking the water at the Frayed Knot Bar & Grill. Go on Sunday for a Bloody Mary and croissant sandwich before you hop on your boat for the day. If the bar scene sounds more your style, try Keg Cowboy in Lexington for their rotating selection of craft and local beers, and weekly live-music performances. Make the short drive to Columbia for big-name concerts, or head west of Lake Murray for incredible live-music performances at the Newberry Opera House.

Due to its relatively remote location and a lack of public transportation, the primary way to get around the Lake Murray area remains driving. You can reach Columbia from Lake Murray in less than 30 minutes via Route 26. Parking in the lake Murray area does not pose a problem, and all parking remains free of charge.

Walking as a form of transportation in the Lake Murray area doesn't provide a feasible option. Commuting by bike, however, can be tricky but not unreasonable. The rural roads do not provide dedicated bike lanes, but bikers can still use them with caution. Dedicated bike lanes await from Irmo along North Lake Drive to the northern edge of Lexington.

You cannot hail a cab in the Lake Murray area, but you may be able to hire a car service such as Uber from Columbia.

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport and Amtrak station sit less than 20 miles from Lake Murray.

Experience the incredible relaxation that results from a return to nature when you visit Lake Murray. It’s hard to resist the draw of the lake’s mature, wooded banks and clear water

Spanning three small islands near the western half of Lake Murray, Dreher Island State Park provides recreational activities, including hiking, fishing and camping. The park’s 348 acres and 12 miles of shoreline are accessible by boat or bridge, and visiting the park costs a small fee. The park permits pets on a leash.

Joggers and power walkers love the 1.5-mile long Lake Murray Dam for its spectacular views, gentle breeze and dedicated pathways. Use of the dam does not cost anything.

The Lake Murray area hosts a great number of annual activities from the Taste of Lake Murray to a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display.

Living in the Lake Murray area costs more than living elsewhere in South Carolina, but less than the national average. Depending on what area of Lake Murray, the cost of living sits somewhat higher or somewhat lower than the cost of living in the city of Columbia. Lexington costs slightly more than Columbia, but the towns of Irmo and Chapin cost slightly less.

Amenities in the Lake Murray area remain relatively low. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in the area for an average of $803 per month. Gas prices sit about 10 percent lower than the national average, and you grab a beer in the area for between $2.50 and $4.

Shopping does not pose a problem in the areas surrounding Lake Murray. Lexington has discount stores including Target and Kohl's, and the nearby town of Irmo has a Walmart Supercenter.

Try the Colonnade at White Knoll or Lexington Towne Centre for more local options, or head to the Columbiana Centre in Columbia for a full-sized mall with upscale stores, such as Coach and Williams-Sonoma.

Best Dressed Kids Consignment in Lexington has a great selection of gently-used, high-quality children's apparel in a pleasant and well-organized environment. When looking for funky contemporary furniture, local artwork, or unique gifts, check out Bohemian Home on Columbia's Devine Street.

Lexington has multiple grocery stores, including Piggly Wiggly, Food Lion, and Publix. For fresh produce and local wares, shop at the Irmo Farmers Market every first and third Saturday in season, or head into Columbia for the South Carolina State Farmers Market daily between April and October.